Former world champion Orla Hendron continued her medal winning streak in the World Masters Track Championships, taking home two bronze medals from last week’s event in Manchester.

Hendron, who already had a haul of gold, silver and two bronze from recent World Masters events, added third place finishes in the 45-49 Points Race and the 2km Individual Pursuit to a strong set of Irish results.

Two Orwell riders travelled to this year's champs, with experienced vet Orla Hendron joined by bold new challenger Ciara Kinch in a squad of determined Irish riders - competitors on the track at home, training buddies in Newport, and now compatriots racing together in Manchester.

Kinch admitted she found the steeply banked track intimidating, but didn't let it put her off. She acquitted herself admirably in her first event, coming in close behind two other Irish contenders – Susie Mitchell (Sundrive) and Geraldine Gill (Bohermeen) - in the 40-44 500m TT.

Hendron had to settle for sixth place ahead of Tonya Moran (u/a) in her TT. Though she missed out on the podium by just over a second, she did post a personal best of 40.798.

The next morning both riders competed in their age group categories in the 2km Individual Pursuit. The Irish featured strongly in Kinch's race, with her snapping at the heels of multi Irish national road race champion Gill, while Mitchell produced a stunning gold medal ride.

In the 45-49 category, Hendron qualified third and faced off against Moran in the ride-off for bronze. It was neck and neck for almost the entire distance, with Hendron's final sprint being the decisive factor. The winning margin of 0.378 seconds was enough to clinch the bronze for the Orwell rider.

After a rest day Orla was back in the saddle for the Scratch Race where she just missed out on a second medal, finishing just off the podium in fourth. She made up for it on Saturday afternoon in the Points Race though, grabbing places in four of the six sprints, as well as ten points for taking a lap. She finished on the same points as pre-race favourite Janet Birkmyre (GBR), but the British rider won the final sprint, meaning that Hendron was denied the silver by the narrowest of margins.

A second bronze medal can be added to her previous haul, the highlight of which was her gold win in the 2010 Points Race. She expressed her gratitude for Paddy Doran's coaching expertise and Mark Kiely's endless hours on the derney, helping her to achieve her winning form. Orwell hub Joe Daly Cycles are her generous sponsors, and of course David was singled out for his amazing support. 

Hendron also highlighted the work of the women's commission, in particular Sarah Piner and Orla McEvoy for putting together the Masters Team. Orwell's own Mags Donnelly has put in sterling efforts as women's rep on the Leinster Commission, and ex-Orwell Caroline Martinez for doing a great PRO job.

Both Hendron and Kinch can be proud of their superb performances at the meet. Congratulations to Orla on yet another successful champs, and we hope to see Ciara return next year with this year's experience under her belt. They can now rest easy for the winter, and hopefully are beginning their off-season relaxation in the spa in Gorey this weekend!

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